Jayce
Nitesh Kumar, a para-badminton player from Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, secured India’s second gold medal at the Paris Paralympics on Monday by defeating British player Daniel Bethell in the SL3 category final. SL3 players like Nitesh have more severe lower limb impairments, requiring them to compete on a half-width court.
At 29, Nitesh overcame a permanent leg injury sustained in a 2009 accident to dominate Bethell in the final, showcasing his prowess.
As an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, Nitesh ensured that India continued to secure a medal in the SL3 category, following in the footsteps of Pramod Bhagat, who won gold at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago.
Nitesh’s Journey
Nitesh’s childhood passion was football. However, a tragic accident in 2009 in Vizag shattered his dreams, leaving him bedridden for months with a permanent leg injury. Despite this setback, Nitesh’s love for sports remained unwavering.
During his studies at IIT Mandi, Nitesh discovered a new passion for badminton. He honed his skills on the court, often challenging able-bodied players.
In 2016, Nitesh seized the opportunity to represent Haryana at the National Para-Badminton Championship in Faridabad. He made an impressive debut, winning a bronze medal and showcasing his immense potential. The following year, he continued his success, securing a silver medal in singles and a bronze in doubles at the National Championships.
Nitesh’s crowning moment came in 2020 when he defeated Tokyo Paralympic medalists Pramod Bhagat and Manoj Sarkar to claim the gold medal at the National Championships. His dominance in domestic competitions cemented his status as one of India’s top para-badminton players.
Beyond national honors, Nitesh has also excelled on the international stage, winning medals in various tournaments. Now, he has claimed a medal in his Paralympic debut.
